SAN JUAN CHAPTER OF THE COLORADO MOUNTAIN CLUB
TRIP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Revised March 9, 2007
1. Screening of participants
Trip leaders should pre-screen all persons in a CMC outing, both members and guests, for adequate physical fitness and overall preparedness. The leader has at all times the right to exclude anyone from an outing if the leader is not convinced the person is fit, has inadequate clothing or equipment, or in some other way is not appropriately prepared for the trip.
2. Guest Liability Considerations
a. CMC outings are limited to CMC members, generally, but out-of-town guests are welcome to accompany members, provided they sign the waiver of liability. Also, persons interested in CMC membership may participate in up to two CMC trips on an exploratory basis, provided they sign the waiver of liability.
b. It is ultimately the trip leader's responsibility to decide who comes or does not come on the trip, and the trip leader may invite whomever the leader feels is appropriate, irrespective of membership status, provided of course that non-members sign the Release of Liability.
3. Pace
Problems of pace are Public Enemy No. 1 on wilderness outings. Do not get ahead of the trip leader, unless you have the leader's permission. Everyone should keep both the person in front and the person behind in sight at all times. The leader should appoint a rear co-leader at the beginning of the trip. The rear co-leader should be familiar with the trail, have a map and keep the next-to-last member of the group in sight at all times.
4. Use of Cars and Mileage Reimbursement
a. On all CMC trips, drivers of car pools are to be reimbursed for gas and wear and tear by all passengers riding in the vehicle. Drivers always have the right to set the rate of reimbursement, notwithstanding the general rule-of-thumb policy outlined below, especially where a rough road may cause excessive wear and tear to the vehicle, or other factors suggest a different rate.
b. This is the general rule of thumb for mileage reimbursement: The actual cost of gasoline divided by the total number of people in the car (including the driver) and each passenger shall pay his/her proportionate share to the driver. The driver shall also be compensated for wear and tear at 10 cents per mile. Once the total wear and tear figure is computed based on total trip miles, the total shall be divided by the number of people on the trip (including the driver), and each passenger shall pay his/her proportionate share to the driver.
c. Example: Bob drives to a trailhead north of Silverton, a round-trip distance of 120 miles. He fills up with gas beforehand that costs $20.00. He has three passengers. Each passenger pays him $5.00 for gas. At 10 cents per mile at 120 miles, or $12 total, the three passengers also owe him $3 apiece for wear and tear. So Bob receives $8 apiece from each of his three passengers.
d. Everyone participating in a CMC car pool should carry cash in small denominations ($1, $5, and $10 bills) in order to reimburse the driver for gas and wear and tear.
e. Trip leaders should remind everyone heading out to a CMC outing in a car pool that it is CMC policy to reimburse drivers for the cost of gas and wear and tear.
5. Pets and Children
Pets may accompany a member on the trip, with the leader's permission, and provided they are kept under voice control. Children may come on a trip, provided the parent or guardian has signed the waiver of liability.
6. Deposits for Trips with Fees
Occasionally, the SJ Chapter will sponsor a trip that involves up-front costs, usually deposits for food or lodging. Trip leaders should explain to all participants when they make a financial deposit for the outing if the deposit is refundable or not, and if refundable, for how long it remains refundable and when it becomes non-refundable. Note the limited funds of the San Juan Chapter are not available to secure deposits or to cover individual costs of participation in chapter outings.
7. General Considerations
Always be on time at the appointed meeting place, and have all gear and equipment in ready condition. Keep smiling, and no whining, rain or shine. |